From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
To combat flooding, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Umuahia zone, on Monday commenced a major environmental sanitation and drainage dredging operation across key flood-prone areas of the state capital.
The Agency, said the move is aimed at combating potential flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) which Abia is among predicted state.
Speaking to Journalists during a site inspection, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA Umuahia Zone,
Catechist Jonah Ambrose, emphasized that the ongoing cleanup is both preventive and strategic.
He stated that the intervention targets waterways and blocked drainage systems in both Umuahia North and South Local Government Areas. Areas currently under operation include Afaraukwu-Aba Road, Ihie Bridge in Umuntu Autonomous Community, and Umudere Bridge connecting to Amakama in Olokoro Clan, Umuahia South.
“This exercise is to cushion the effects of flooding and prevent disaster before it occurs. We are clearing drainage channels and delisting rivers, including the Ihie River, which has been clogged by non-degradable waste. This will allow for the free flow of storm water.”
ASEPA boss appealed to residents to desist from indiscriminate waste dumping, especially into rivers and drains, reiterated that flood prevention cannot be handled by the government alone.
Contributing, Mr. Chidiebere Ogbuehi, ASEPA’s Head of Operations noted that the agency collects an estimated 216,000 tons of waste annually. He attributed much of the environmental degradation in the state to harmful human behaviour, including poor waste management practices.
“To curb this, ASEPA has launched a door-to-door waste collection initiative, We want to encourage a culture of responsible waste disposal.”
ASEPA also reiterated, that it would continue sensitizing communities on the importance of environmental stewardship and is working to institutionalize more sustainable waste management practices. Adding also that Public education campaigns are also being planned in collaboration with community leaders and civil society organizations.
Lending his voice, the Contractor handling the dredging operation, Mr. Francis Okechukwu Mathew, confirmed that major obstructions at the Ihie Bridge, caused by years of waste buildup are currently being cleared, assuring that the work is progressing steadily and should be completed within 10 days, if the weather permit.
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